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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10845 ***
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 10845-h.htm or 10845-h.zip:
+      (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/0/8/4/10845/10845-h/10845-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/0/8/4/10845/10845-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.
+
+VOL. 12, NO. 332.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1828. [PRICE 2d.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ANNE HATHAWAY'S COTTAGE.
+
+[Illustration: Anne Hathaway's Cottage.]
+
+
+This is another of Mr. Rider's beautiful "Views to Illustrate the Life of
+SHAKSPEARE,"[1]--it being the exterior of the cottage in which the poet's
+wife (whose maiden name was _Hathaway_) is said to have resided with her
+parents, in the village of Shottery, about a mile from Stratford-upon-Avon.
+
+    [1] Merridew and Rider, Warwick and Leamington, and Goodhugh,
+    Oxford-street, London.
+
+Neither the exterior nor interior of this humble abode, says Mr. Rider,
+appears to have been subjected to any renovating process; and as there
+exists no reasonable ground for distrusting the fact of its having been
+the abode of _Anne Hathaway_, previous to her marriage with Shakspeare, it
+must ever be regarded as one of the most interesting relics connected with
+his history. The occupier of the cottage in July, 1827, was an old woman,
+the widow of John Hathaway Taylor, whose mother was a Hathaway, and the
+last of the family of that name.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The widow Taylor showed Mr. Rider the old carved bedstead, mentioned by
+"Ireland," and assured him she perfectly recollected his purchasing of her
+mother-in-law the piece of furniture which had always been known by the
+designation of _Shakspeare's Courting-Chair_. From the wood-cut of this
+chair, given by Ireland in his "Views on the Avon," Mr. Rider has been
+enabled to introduce it in his representation of the interior of the
+cottage.
+
+We have accordingly detached it for a vignette, and as the throne where
+
+                        The lover,
+  Sighing like furnace, with woeful ballad
+  Made to his mistress' eye-brow--
+
+it will probably be acceptable to the most enthusiastic of Shakspeare's
+admirers; not doubting that scores of our lady-friends will provide
+themselves with a chair of the same construction, if they would insure the
+fervour and sincerity of the poet's love, or by association become more
+susceptible of his inspirations of the master-passion of humanity.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE NOVELIST.
+
+ANTONELLI;
+
+_(A Tale, from the German of Goethe.)_
+
+
+When I was in Italy, Antonelli, an opera-singer, was the favourite of the
+Neapolitan public. Her youth, beauty, and talents insured her applause on
+the stage; nor was she deficient in any quality that could render her
+agreeable to a small circle of friends. She was not indifferent either
+to love or praise; but her discretion was such as to enable her to enjoy
+both with becoming dignity. Every young man of rank or fortune in Naples,
+was eager to be numbered among her suitors; few however, met with a
+favourable reception; and though she was, in the choice of her lovers,
+directed chiefly by her eyes and her heart, she displayed on all
+occasions a firmness, and stability of character, that never failed to
+engage even such as were indifferent to her favours. I had frequent
+opportunities of seeing her, being on terms of the closest intimacy with
+one of her favoured admirers.
+
+Several years were now elapsed, and she had become acquainted with a
+number of gentlemen, many of whom had rendered themselves disgusting by
+the extreme levity and fickleness of their manners. She had repeatedly
+observed young gentlemen, whose professions of constancy and attachment
+would persuade their mistress of the impossibility of their ever
+deserting her, withhold their protection in those very cases where it
+was most needed; or, what is still worse, incited by the temptation of
+ridding themselves of a troublesome connexion, she had known them give
+advice which has entailed misery and ruin.
+
+Her acquaintance hitherto had been of such a nature as to leave her mind
+inactive. She now began to feel a desire, to which she had before been a
+stranger. She wished to possess a friend, to whom she might communicate
+her most secret thoughts, and happily, just at that time, she found one
+among those who surrounded her, possessed of every requisite quality,
+and who seemed, in every respect, worthy of her confidence.
+
+This gentleman was by birth a Genoese, and resided at Naples, for the
+purpose of transacting some commercial business of great importance, for
+the house with which he was connected. In possession of good parts, he had,
+in addition received a very finished education. His knowledge was
+extensive; and no less care had been bestowed on his body, than on his
+mind. He was inspired with the commercial spirit natural to his countrymen,
+and considered mercantile affairs on a grand scale. His situation was,
+however, not the most enviable; his house had unfortunately been drawn
+into hazardous speculations, which were afterwards attended with expensive
+law-suits. The state of his affairs grew daily more intricate, and the
+uneasiness thereby produced gave him an air of seriousness, which in the
+present case was not to his disadvantage; for it encouraged our young
+heroine to seek his friendship, rightly judging, that he himself stood in
+need of a friend.
+
+Hitherto, he had seen her only occasionally, and at places of public
+resort; she now, on his first request, granted him access to her house;
+she even invited him very pressingly, and he was not remiss in obeying the
+invitation.
+
+She lost no time in making him acquainted with her wishes, and the
+confidence she reposed in him. He was surprised, and rejoiced at the
+proposal. She was urgent in the request that he might always remain her
+friend, and never shade that sacred name with the ambiguous claims of a
+lover. She made him acquainted with some difficulties which then perplexed
+her, and on which his experience would enable him to give the best advice,
+and propose the most speedy means for her relief. In return for this
+confidence, he did not hesitate to disclose to her his own situation; and
+her endeavours to soothe and console him were, in reality, not without a
+beneficial consequence, as they served to put him in that state of mind,
+so necessary for acting with deliberation and effect. Thus a friendship
+was in a short time cemented, founded on the most exalted esteem, and on
+the consciousness that each was necessary to the well-being of the other.
+
+It happens but too often, that we make agreements without considering
+whether it is in our power to fulfil their conditions. He had promised to
+be only her friend, and not to think of her as a mistress; and yet he
+could not deny that he was mortified and disgusted with the sight of any
+other visiter. His ill-humour was particularly excited by hearing her, in
+a jesting manner, enumerate the good or bad qualities of some favourite,
+and after having shown much good sense in pointing out his blemishes,
+neglect her friend, and prefer his company that very evening.
+
+It happened soon after that the heart of the fair was disengaged. Her
+friend was rejoiced at the discovery, and represented to her, that he was
+entitled to her affection before all others. She gave ear to his petition,
+when she found resistance was vain. "I fear," said she, "that I am parting
+with the most valuable possession on earth--a friend, and that I shall get
+nothing in return but a lover." Her suspicions were well founded: he had
+not enjoyed his double capacity long, when he showed a degree of
+peevishness, of which he had before thought himself incapable; as a friend
+he demanded her esteem; as a lover he claimed her undivided affection; and
+as a man of sense and education, he expected rational and pleasing
+conversation. These complicated claims, however, ill accorded with the
+sprightly disposition of Antonelli; she could consent to no sacrifices,
+and was unwilling to grant exclusive rights. She therefore endeavoured in
+a delicate manner to shorten his visits, to see him less frequently, and
+intimated that she would upon no consideration whatever give up her
+freedom.
+
+As soon as he remarked this new treatment, his misery was beyond endurance,
+and unfortunately, this was not the only mischance that befel him; his
+mercantile affairs assumed a very doubtful appearance; besides this, a
+view of his past life called forth many mortifying reflections; he had
+from his earliest youth looked upon his fortune as inexhaustible, his
+business often lay neglected, while engaged in long and expensive travels,
+endeavouring to make a figure in the fashionable world, far above his
+birth and fortune. The lawsuits, which were now his only hope, proceeded
+slowly, and were connected with a vast expense. These required his
+presence in Palermo several times; and while absent on his last journey,
+Antonelli made arrangements calculated, by degrees, to banish him entirely
+from her house. On his return, he found she had taken another house at a
+considerable distance from his own; the Marquess de S., who, at that time,
+had great influence on plays and public diversions, visited her daily, and
+to all appearance, with great familiarity. This mortified him severely,
+and a serious illness was the consequence. When the news of his sickness
+reached his friend, she hastened to him, was anxious to see him
+comfortable, and discovering that he was in great pecuniary difficulties,
+on going away she left him a sum of money sufficient to relieve his wants.
+
+Her friend had once presumed to encroach on her freedom; this attempt was
+with her an unpardonable offence, and the discovery of his having acted so
+indiscreetly in his own affairs, had not given her the most favourable
+opinion of his understanding and his character; notwithstanding the
+decrease of her affection, her assiduity for him had redoubled. He did not,
+however, remark the great change which had really taken place; her anxiety
+for his recovery, her watching for hours at his bedside, appeared to him
+rather proofs of friendship and love, than the effects of compassion, and
+he hoped, on his recovery, to be re-instated in all his former rights.
+
+But how greatly was he mistaken! In proportion as his health and strength
+returned, all tenderness and affection for him vanished; nay, her aversion
+for him now was equal to the pleasure with which she formerly regarded him.
+He had also, in consequence of these multiplied reverses, contracted a
+habit of ill-humour, of which he was himself not aware, and which greatly
+contributed to alienate Antonelli. His own bad management in business he
+attributed to others; so that, in his opinion, he was perfectly justified.
+He looked upon himself as an unfortunate man, persecuted by the world, and
+hoped for an equivalent to all his sufferings and misfortunes in the
+undivided affection of his mistress.
+
+This concession he insisted on, the first day he was able to leave his
+chamber, and visit her. He demanded nothing less than that she should
+resign herself up to him entirely, dismiss her other friends and
+acquaintances, leave the stage, and live solely with him, and for him. She
+showed him the impossibility of granting his demands, at first mildly, but
+was at last obliged to confess the melancholy truth, that their former
+relation existed no more. He left her, and never saw her again.
+
+He lived some years longer, seeing but few acquaintances, and chiefly in
+the company of a pious old lady, with whom he occupied the same dwelling,
+and who lived on the rent of an adjoining house, her only income. During
+this interval, he gained one of his law-suits, and soon after the other;
+but his health was destroyed, and his future prospects blasted. A slight
+cause brought on a relapse of his former illness; the physician acquainted
+him with his approaching end. He was resigned to his fate, and his only
+remaining wish was, once more to see his lovely friend. He sent the
+servant to her, who, in more happy days, had often been the bearer of
+tender messages. He prayed her to grant his request: she refused. He sent
+a second time, entreating most ardently she might not be deaf to his
+prayers, with no better success. She persisted in her first answer. The
+night was already far advanced, when he sent a third time; she showed
+great agitation, and confided to me the cause of her embarrassment, (for I
+had just happened to be at supper, at her house, with the Marquess, and
+some other friends.) I advised her--I entreated her, to show her friend
+this last act of kindness. She seemed undecided, and in great emotion; but
+after a few moments she became more collected. She sent away the servant
+with a refusal, and he returned no more.
+
+When supper was over, we sat together in familiar conversation, while
+cheerfulness and good humour reigned among us. It was near midnight, when
+suddenly a hollow, doleful sound was heard, like the groaning of a human
+being; gradually it grew weaker, and at last died away entirely. A
+momentary trembling seized us all; we stared at each other, and then
+around us, unable to explain the mystery.
+
+The Marquess ran to the window, while the rest of us were endeavouring to
+restore the lady, who lay senseless on the floor. It was some time before
+she recovered. The jealous Italian would scarcely give her time to open
+her eyes, when he began to load her with reproaches. If you agree on signs
+with your friends, said the Marquess, I pray you let them be less open and
+terrifying. She replied, with her usual presence of mind, that, having the
+right to see any person, at any time, in her house, she could hardly be
+supposed to choose such appalling sounds as the forerunners of happy
+moments.
+
+And really there was something uncommonly terrifying in the sound; its
+slowly lengthened vibrations were still fresh in our ears. Antonelli was
+pale, confused, and every moment in danger of falling into a swoon. We
+were obliged to remain with her half the night. Nothing more was heard. On
+the following evening the same company was assembled; and although the
+cheerfulness of the preceding day was wanting, we were not dejected.
+Precisely at the same hour we heard the same hollow groan as the night
+before.
+
+We had in the meantime formed many conjectures on the origin of this
+strange sound, which were as contradictory as they were extravagant. It is
+unnecessary to relate every particular: in short, whenever Antonelli
+supped at home, the alarming noise was heard at the same hour, sometimes
+stronger, at others weaker. This occurrence was spoken of all over Naples.
+Every inmate of the house, every friend and acquaintance, took the most
+lively interest; even the police was summoned to attend. Spies were placed
+at proper distances around the house. To such as stood in the street the
+sound seemed to arise in the open air, while those in the room heard it
+close by them. As often as she supped out all was silent, but whenever she
+remained at home, she was sure to be visited by her uncivil guest; but
+leaving her house was not always a means of escaping him. Her talent and
+character gained her admittance into the first houses; the elegance of her
+manners and her lively conversation, made her everywhere welcome; and, in
+order to avoid her unpleasant visiter, she used to pass her evenings in
+company out of the house.
+
+A gentleman, whose age and rank made him respectable, accompanied her home
+one evening in his coach. On taking leave of him at her door, the well
+known voice issued from the steps beneath them; and the old gentleman, who
+was perfectly well acquainted with the story, was helped into his coach
+more dead than alive.
+
+She was one evening accompanied by a young singer, in her coach, on a
+visit to a friend's. He had heard of this mysterious affair, and being of
+a lively disposition, expressed some doubts on the subject. I most
+ardently wish, continued he, to hear the voice of your invisible companion;
+do call him, there are two of us, we shall not be frightened. Without
+reflecting, she had the courage to summon the spirit, and presently, from
+the floor of the coach arose the appalling sound; it was repeated three
+times, in rapid succession, and died away in a hollow moan. When the door
+of the carriage was opened, both were found in a swoon, and it was some
+time before they were restored and could inform those present of their
+unhappy adventure.
+
+This frequent repetition at length affected her health; and the spirit,
+who seemed to have compassion on her, for some weeks gave no signs of his
+presence. She even began to cherish a hope that she was now entirely rid
+of him--but in this she was mistaken.
+
+When the Carnival was over, she went into the country on a visit, in the
+company of a lady, and attended only by one waiting maid. Night overtook
+them before they could reach their journey's end; and suffering an
+interruption, from the breaking of a chain, they were compelled to stop
+for the night at an obscure inn by the road side. Fatigue made Antonelli
+seek for repose immediately on their arrival; and she had just lain down,
+when the waiting-maid, who was arranging a night-lamp, in a jesting tone,
+observed, "We are here, in a manner, at the end of the earth, and the
+weather is horrible; will he be able to find us here?" That moment the
+voice was heard, louder and more terrible than ever. The lady imagined the
+room filled with demons, and, leaping out of bed, ran down stairs,
+alarming the whole house. Nobody slept a wink that night. This was the
+last time the voice was heard. But this unwelcome visiter had soon another
+and more disagreeable method of notifying his presence.
+
+She had been left in peace some time, when one evening, at the usual hour,
+while she was sitting at table with her friends, she was startled at the
+discharge of a gun or a well-charged pistol; it seemed to have passed
+through the window. All present heard the report and saw the flash, but on
+examination the pane was found uninjured. The company was nevertheless
+greatly concerned, and it was generally believed that some one's life had
+been attempted. Some present ran to the police, while the rest searched
+the adjoining houses;--but in vain; nothing was discovered that could
+excite the least suspicion. The next evening sentinels were stationed at
+all the neighbouring windows; the house itself, where Antonelli lived, was
+closely searched, and spies were placed in the street.
+
+But all this precaution availed nothing. Three months in succession, at
+the same moment, the report was heard; the charge entered at the same pane
+of glass without making the least alteration in its appearance; and what
+is remarkable, it invariably took place precisely one hour before midnight;
+although the Neapolitans have the Italian way of keeping time according to
+which midnight forms no remarkable division. At length the shooting grew
+as familiar as the voice had formerly been, and this innocent malice of
+the spirit was forgiven him. The report often took place without
+disturbing the company, or even interrupting their conversation.
+
+One evening, after a very sultry day, Antonelli, without thinking of the
+approaching hour, opened the window, and stepped with the Marquess on the
+balcony. But a few moments had elapsed, when the invisible gun was
+discharged, and both were thrown back into the room with a violent shock.
+On recovering, the Marquess felt the pain of a smart blow on his right
+check; and the singer, on her left. But no other injury being received,
+this event gave rise to a number of merry observations. This was the last
+time she was alarmed in her house, and she had hopes of being at last
+entirely rid of her unrelenting persecutor, when one evening, riding out
+with a friend, she was once more greatly terrified. They drove through the
+Chiaja, where the once-favoured Genoese had resided. The moon shone bright.
+The lady with her demanded, "Is not that the house where Mr. ---- died?"
+"It is one of those two, if I am not mistaken," replied Antonelli. That
+instant the report burst upon their ears louder than ever; the flash
+issuing from one of the houses, seemed to pass through the carriage. The
+coachman supposing they were attacked by robbers, drove off in great haste.
+On arriving at the place of destination, the two ladies were taken out in
+a state of insensibility.
+
+This was, however, the last scene of terror. The invisible tormentor now
+changed his manner, and used more gentle means. One evening, soon after, a
+loud clapping of hands was heard under her window. Antonelli, as a
+favourite actress and singer, was no stranger to these sounds; they
+carried in them nothing terrifying, and they might be ascribed to one of
+her admirers. She paid little attention to it; her friends, however, were
+more vigilant, they sent out spies as formerly. The clapping was heard,
+but no one was to be seen; and it was hoped that these mysterious doings
+would soon entirely cease.
+
+After some evenings the clapping was no longer heard, and more agreeable
+sounds succeeded. They were not properly melodious, but unspeakably
+delightful and agreeable; they seemed to issue from the corner of an
+opposite street, approach the window, and die gently away. It seemed as if
+some aerial spirit intended them as a prelude to some piece of music that
+he was about to perform. These tones soon became weaker, and at last were
+heard no more.
+
+I had the curiosity, soon after the first disturbance, to go to the house
+of the deceased, under the pretext of visiting the old lady who had so
+faithfully attended him in his last illness. She told me her friend had an
+unbounded affection for Antonelli; that he had, for some weeks previous to
+his death, talked only of her, and sometimes represented her as an angel,
+and then again as a devil. When his illness became serious, his only wish
+was to see her before his dissolution, probably in hopes of receiving from
+her some kind expression, or prevailing on her to give him some consoling;
+proof of her love and attachment. Her obstinate refusal caused him the
+greatest torments, and her last answer evidently hastened his end; for,
+added she, he made one violent effort, and raising his head, he cried out
+in despair, _"No, it shall avail her nothing; she avoids me, but I'll
+torment her, though the grave divide us!"_ And indeed the event proved
+that a man may perform his promise in spite of death itself.
+
+_Weekly Review._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+UGGOLINO.
+
+MODERNIZED FROM THE "MONK'S TALE" IN CHAUCER.
+
+_(For the Mirror.)_
+
+
+  Of Uggolino, Pisa's hapless Count,
+  How shall my Muse the piteous tale relate!
+  Near to that city, on a gentle mount,
+  There stands a tow'r--within its donjon grate
+  They lock'd him up, and, dreadful to recount,
+  With him three tender babes to share his fate!
+  But five years old the eldest of the three--
+  Oh! who could rob such babes of liberty!
+
+  Doom'd was the Count within that tow'r to die,
+  Him Pisa's vengeful bishop did oppose;
+  With covert speech and false aspersions sly
+  He stirr'd the people, till they madly rose,
+  And shut him in this prison strong and high;
+  His former slaves are now his fiercest foes.
+  Coarse was their food, and scantily supplied,
+  A prelude to the death these captives died.
+
+  And on a luckless day it thus befell--
+  About their surly jailer's wonted hour
+  To bring them food, he enter'd not their cell,
+  But bolted fast their prison's outer door.
+  This on the County's heart rang like a knell--
+  Hope was excluded from this grizzly tow'r.
+  Speechless he sat, despair forbade to rave--
+  This hold was now their dungeon and their grave.
+
+  His youngest babe had not seen summers three;
+  "Father," he cried, "why does the man delay
+  To bring out food? how naughty he must be;
+  I have not eat a morsel all this day.
+  Dear father, have you got some bread for me?
+  Oh, if you have, do give it me, I pray;
+  I am so hungry that I cannot sleep--
+  I'll kiss you, father--do not, do not weep."
+
+  And day by day this pining innocent
+  Thus to his father piteously did cry,
+  Till hunger had perform'd the stern intent
+  Of their fierce foes. "Oh, father, I shall die!
+  Take me upon your lap--my life is spent--
+  Kiss me--farewell!" Then with a gentle sigh,
+  Its spotless spirit left the suff'ring clay,
+  And wing'd its fright to everlasting day.
+
+  (He who has mark'd that wild, distracting mien,
+  Which for this Count immortal Reynold's drew,
+  When bitter woe, despair, and famine keen
+  Unite in that sad face to shock the view,
+  Will wish, while gazing on th' appalling scene,
+  For pity's sake the story is not true.
+  What hearts but fiends, what less than hellish hate,
+  Could e'er consign that group to such a fate?)
+
+  And when he saw his darling child was dead,
+  From statue-like despair the Count did start;
+  He tore his matted locks from off his head,
+  And bit his arms, for grief so wrung his heart.
+  His two surviving babes drew near and said,
+  (Thinking 'twas hunger's thorn which caus'd his smart,)
+  "Dear sire, you gave us life, to you we give
+  Our little bodies--feed on them and live!"
+
+  Like two bruis'd lilies, soon they pin'd away,
+  And breath'd their last upon their father's knee;
+  Despair and Famine bow'd him to their sway;
+  He died--here ends this Count's dark tragedy.
+  Whoso would read this tale more fully may
+  Consult the mighty bard of Italy;
+  Dante's high strain will all the sequel tell,
+  So courteous, friendly readers, fare ye well.
+
+P. HENDON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+A LAPLANDER'S FAREWELL TO THE SETTING SUN.
+
+_(For the Mirror.)_
+
+
+  Adieu thou beauteous orb, adieu,
+  Thy fading light scarce meets my view,
+  Thy golden tints reflected still
+  Beam mildly on my native hill:
+  Thou goest in other lands to shine,
+  Hail'd and expected by a numerous line,
+  Whilst many days and many months must pass
+  Ere thou shall'st bless us with one closing glance.
+  My cave must now become my lowly home,
+  Nor can I longer from its precincts roam,
+  Till the fixed time that brings thee back again
+  With added splendour to resume thy reign.
+
+IOTA.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+ANCIENT VALUE OF BOOKS.
+
+_(For the Mirror.)_
+
+
+We have it from good authority, that about A.D. 1215, the Countess of
+Anjou paid two hundred sheep, five quarters of wheat, and the same
+quantity of rye, for a volume of Sermons--so scarce and dear were books at
+that time; and although the countess might in this case have possibly been
+imposed upon, we have it, on Mr. Gibbon's authority, that the value of
+manuscript copies of the Bible, for the use of the monks and clergy,
+commonly was from four to five hundred crowns at Paris, which, according
+to the relative value of money at that time and now in our days, could not,
+at the most moderate calculation, be less than as many pounds sterling in
+the present day.
+
+H. W. P.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+MARINE GLOW WORMS.
+
+_(For the Mirror.)_
+
+
+These extraordinary little insects are more particularly noticed in Italy,
+during the period of summer, than in any other part of the world. When
+they make their appearance, they glitter like stars reflected by the sea,
+so beautiful and luminous are their minute bodies. Many contemplative
+lovers of the phenomena of nature are seen, soon after sun-set, along the
+sea coast, admiring the singular lustre of the water when covered with
+these particles of life, which it may be observed, are more numerous where
+the _alga marina_, or sea-weed abounds.
+
+The marine glow-worm is composed of eleven articulations, or rings; upon
+these rings, and near the belly of the insect, are placed fins, which
+appear to be the chief instruments of its motion. It has two small horns
+issuing from the fore part of the head, and its tail is cleft in two. To
+the naked eye of man, they seem even smaller than the finest hairs; and
+their substance is delicate beyond description. They first begin to make
+their appearance upon the sea-weed about the middle of April, and very
+soon after multiply exceedingly over the whole surface of the water.
+
+I think it is more than probable, that the heat of the sun causes the
+marine glow-worm to lay its eggs; at all events it is certain, that
+terrestrial insects of this species shine only in the heat of summer, and
+that their peculiar resplendency is produced during the period of their
+copulation.
+
+G. W. N.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+EPITAPHS.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+The origin of epitaphs, and the precise period when they were first
+introduced, is involved in obscurity; but that they were in use several
+centuries prior to the Christian era is indisputable. The invention of
+them, however, has been attributed to the scholars of Linus, who,
+according to Diogenes, was the son of Mercury and Urania; he was born at
+Thebes, and instructed Hercules in the art of music; who, in a fit of
+anger at the ridicule of Linus, on his awkwardness in holding the lyre,
+struck him on the head with his instrument, and killed him. The scholars
+of Linus lamented the death of their master, in a mournful kind of poem,
+called from him _Aelinum_. These poems were afterwards designated
+_Epitaphia_, from the two words [Greek: epi], _upon_, and [Greek: taphios],
+_sepulchre_, being engraved on tombs, in honour or memory of the deceased,
+and generally containing some eloge of his virtues or good qualities.
+
+Among the Lacedaemonians, epitaphs were only allowed to men who died
+bravely in battle; and to women, who were remarkable for their chastity.
+The Romans often erected monuments to illustrious persons whilst living,
+which were preserved with great veneration after their decease. In this
+country, according to Sir Henry Chauncy, "Any person may erect a tomb,
+sepulchre, or monument for the deceased in any church, chancel, chapel, or
+churchyard, so that it is not to the hindrance of the celebration of
+divine service;  that the defacing of them is punishable at common law,
+the party that built it being entitled to the action during his life, and
+the heir of the deceased after his death."
+
+Boxhornius has made a well chosen collection of Latin epitaphs, and F.
+Labbe has also made a similar one in the French language, entitled,
+"_Tresor des Epitaphes_." In our own language the collection of Toldewy is
+the best; there are also several to be found among the writings of Camden
+and Weaver, and in most of the county histories.
+
+In epitaphs, the deceased person is sometimes introduced by way of
+prosopopaeia, speaking to the living, of which the following is an
+instance, wherein the defunct wife thus addresses her surviving husband:--
+
+  "Immatura peri; sed tu, felicior, annos
+  Vive tuos, conjux optime, vive meos."
+
+The following epitaphs, out of several others, are worth preserving. That
+of Alexander:--
+
+  "Sufficit huic tumulus, cui non sufficeret orbis."
+
+That of Tasso:--
+
+  "Les os du Tasse."
+
+Similar to which is that of Dryden:--
+
+  "Dryden."
+
+The following is that of General Foy, in Pere la Chaise:--
+
+    "Honneur au GENERAL FOY.
+    Il se repose de ses travaux,
+    Et ses oeuvres le suivent.
+  Hier quand de ses jours la source fut tarie,
+  La France, en le voyant sur sa couche entendu,
+  Implorait un accent de cette voix cherie.
+  Helas! au cri plaintif jeté par la nature,
+  C'est la premiere fois qu'il ne pas repondu"
+
+The following is said to have been written by "rare Ben Jonson," and has
+been much admired:--
+
+  "Underneath this stone doth lie
+  As much virtue as could die;
+  Which, when alive, did vigour give
+  To as much beauty as could live."
+
+To these could be added several others, but at present we shall content
+ourselves with quoting the two following, as specimens of the satirical
+or ludicrous:--
+
+  _Prior, on himself, ridiculing the folly of
+  those who value themselves on their
+  pedigree_.
+
+  "Nobles and heralds, by your leave,
+     Here lie the bones of Matthew Prior,
+   The son of Adam and Eve,
+     Let Bourbon or Nassau go higher."
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  "Here, fast asleep, full six feet deep,
+     And seventy summers ripe,
+   George Thomas lies in hopes to rise,
+     And smoke another pipe."
+
+B. T. S.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following inscription, in a churchyard in Germany, long puzzled alike
+the learned and the unlearned:--
+
+     O   quid  tua  te
+     be  bis  bia  abit
+       ra   ra   ra
+            es
+         et     in
+      ram  ram   ram
+          i   i
+ Mox eris quod ego nunc.
+
+By accident the meaning was discovered, and the solution is equally
+remarkable for its ingenuity and for the morality it inculcates:--"O
+superbe quid superbis? tua superbia te superabit. Terra es, et in terram
+ibis. Mox eris quod ego nunc."--"O vain man! why shouldst thou be proud?
+thy pride will be thy ruin. Dust thou art, and to dust shalt thou return.
+Soon shalt thou be what I am now."
+
+W. G. C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE COSMOPOLITE.
+
+WET WEATHER.
+
+(_For the Mirror_.)
+
+
+"John's temper depended very much upon the air; his spirits rose and fell
+with the weather-glass."--ARBUTHNOT.
+
+No one can deny that the above is a _floating_ topic; and we challenge all
+the philosophy of ancients or moderns to prove it is not. After the
+memorable July 15, (St. Swithin,) people talk of the result with as much
+certainty as a merchant calculates on _trade winds_; and in like manner,
+hackney-coachmen and umbrella-makers have their _trade rains_. Indeed,
+there are, as Shakespeare's contented Duke says, "books in the running
+brooks, and good in every thing;"[1] and so far from neglecting to turn
+the ill-wind to our account, we are disposed to venture a few seasonable
+truisms for the gratification of our readers, although a wag may say our
+subject is a dry one.
+
+    [1] Only the other evening we heard two sons of the whip on a
+    hackney-coach stand thus invoke the showery deity: "God send us a
+    good heavy shower;" then the fellows looked upwards, chuckled, and
+    rubbed their hands.
+
+In England, the weather is public news. Zimmerman, however, thinks it is
+not a safe topic of discourse. "Your company," says he, "may be _hippish_."
+Shenstone, too, says a fine day is the only enjoyment which one man does
+not envy another. All this is whimsical enough; but doubtless we are more
+operated on by _the weather_ than by any thing else. Perhaps this is
+because we are islanders; for talk to an "intellectual" man about the
+climate, and out comes something about our "insular situation, aqueous
+vapours, condensation," &c. Then take up a newspaper on any day of a wet
+summer, and you see a long string of paragraphs, with erudite authorities,
+about "the weather," average annual depth of rain, &c.; and a score of
+lies about tremendous rains, whose only authority, like that of most
+miracles, is in their antiquity or repetition. In short, _water_ is one of
+the most popular subjects in this age of inquiry. What were the first
+treatises of the _Useful Knowledge_ Society? _Hydrostatics_ and
+_Hydraulics_. What is the attraction at Sadler's Wells, Bath, and
+Cheltenham, but water? the Brighton people, too, not content with the sea,
+have even found it necessary to superadd to their fashionable follies,
+artificial mineral waters, with whose fount the grossest duchess may in a
+few days recover from the repletion of a whole season; and the minister,
+after the jading of a session, soon resume his wonted complacency and good
+humour.[2] Our aquatic taste is even carried into all our public
+amusements; would the festivities in celebration of the late peace have
+been complete without the sham fight on the Serpentine? To insure the run
+of a melo-drama, the New River is called in to flow over deal boards, and
+form a cataract; and the Vauxhall proprietors, with the aid of a
+_hydropyric_ exhibition, contrive to represent a naval battle. This
+introduction during the past season was, however, as perfectly
+_gratuitous_ as that of the _rain_ was uncalled for. Had they contented
+themselves with the latter, the scene would have been more true to nature.
+
+    [2] Even the greatest hero of the age, who has won all his glory _by
+    land_, has lately been drinking the Cheltenham _waters_. The proprietor
+    of the well at which he drank, jocosely observed that his was "the best
+    _well-in-town_."
+
+We carry this taste into our money-getting speculations, those freaks of
+the funds that leave many a man with one unfunded coat. The Thames tunnel
+is too amphibious an affair to be included in the number; but the ship
+canal project, the bridge-building mania, and the _penchant_ for working
+mines by steam, evidently belong to them. The fashion even extends to
+royalty, since our good King builds a fishing-temple, and dines on the
+Virginia Water; and the Duke of Clarence, as Lord High Admiral, gives a
+_dejeuné à la fourchette_ between Waterloo and Westminster bridges.
+
+Whoever takes the trouble to read a paper in a late _Edinburgh Review_ on
+the _Nervous System_, will doubtless find that much of our predilection
+for hanging and drowning is to be attributed to this "insular situation."
+Every man and woman of us is indeed a self _pluviometer_, or rain-gauge;
+or, in plain terms, our nerves are like so many musical strings, affected
+by every change of the atmosphere, which, if screwed up too tight, are apt
+to snap off, and become useless; or, if you please, we are like so many
+barometers, and our animal spirits like their quicksilver; so "servile"
+are we to all the "skyey influences." Take, for example, the same man at
+three different periods of the year: on a fine morning in January, his
+nerves are braced to their best pitch, and, in his own words, he is fit
+for any thing; see him panting for cooling streams in a burning July day,
+when though an Englishman, he is "too hot to eat;" see him on a wet, muggy
+ninth of November, when the finery of the city coach and the new liveries
+appear tarnished, and common councilmen tramp through the mud and rain in
+their robes of little authority--even with the glorious prospect of the
+Guildhall tables, the glitter of gas and civic beauty, and the six pounds
+of turtle, and iron knives and forks before him--still he is a miserable
+creature, he drinks to desperation, and is carried home at least three
+hours sooner than he would be on a fine frosty night. Then, instead of
+fifteen pounds to the square inch, atmospheric pressure is increased to
+five-and-forty, not calculating the _simoom_ of the following morning,
+when he is as dry as the desert of Sahara, and eyes the pumps and
+soda-water fountains with as much _gout_ as the Israelites did the water
+from Mount Horeb.
+
+Man, however, is the most helpless of all creatures in water, and with the
+exception of a few proscribed pickpockets and swindlers, he is almost as
+helpless on land. This infirmity, or difficulty of keeping above water,
+accounts for the crammed state of our prisons, fond as we are of the
+element. On the great rivers of China, where thousands of people find it
+more convenient to live in covered boats upon the water, than in houses on
+shore, the younger and male children have a _hollow ball_ of some light
+material attached constantly to their necks, so that in their frequent
+falls overboard, they are not in danger. Had we not read this in a grave,
+philosophical work, we should have thought it a joke upon poor humanity,
+or at best a piece of poetical justice, and that the hollow ball, &c.
+represented the head--fools being oftener inheritors of good fortune than
+their wiser companions. As the great secret in swimming is to keep the
+chest as full of air as possible, perhaps the great art of living is to
+keep the head a _vacuum_, a state "adapted to the meanest capacity." But
+had kind Nature supplied us with an air-bladder at the neck, the heaviest
+of us might have floated to eternity, Leander's swimming across the
+Hellespont no wonder at all, and the drags of the Humane Society be
+converted into halters for the suspension and recovery of old offenders
+and small debts.
+
+_A wet day in London_ is what every gentleman who does not read, or does
+not recollect, Shakspeare, calls _a bore_,[3] and every lady decides to be
+a _nuisance_. Abroad, everything is discomfiture; at home all is fidget
+and uneasiness. What is called a smart shower, sweeps off a whole stand of
+hackney-coaches in a few seconds, and leaves a few leathern conveniences
+called cabriolets, so that your only alternative is that of being soaked
+to the skin, or pitched out, taken up, bled, and carried home in "a state
+of insensibility." The Spanish proverb, "it never rains but it pours" soon
+comes to pass, and every street is momentarily washed as clean as the most
+diligent housemaid could desire. Every little shelter is crowded with
+solitary, houseless-looking people, who seem employed in taking
+descriptions of each other for the _Hue and Cry_, or police gazette. On
+the pavement may probably be seen some wight who with more than political
+obstinacy, resolves to "weather the storm," with slouched hat, which acts
+upon the principle of capillary attraction, drenched coat, and boots in
+which the feet work like pistons in tannin: now
+
+                           The reeling clouds,
+  Stagger with dizzy poise, as doubting yet,
+  Which master to obey.
+
+Company, in such cases, usually increases the misery. Your wife, with a
+new dress, soon loses her temper and its beauty; the children splash you
+and their little frilled continuations; and ill-humour is the order of the
+day; for on such occasions you cannot slip into a tavern, and follow Dean
+Swift's example:
+
+  On rainy days alone I dine,
+  Upon a chick, and pint of wine:
+  On rainy days I dine alone,
+  And pick my chicken to the bone.
+
+Go you to the theatre in what is called a wet season, and perhaps after
+sitting through a dull five-act tragedy and two farces, your first
+solicitude is about the weather, and as if to increase the vexation, you
+cannot see the sky for a heavy portico or blind; then the ominous cry of
+"carriage, your honour"--"what terrible event does this portend"--and you
+have to pick your way, with your wife like Cinderella after the ball,
+through an avenue of link-boys and cadmen,[4] and hear your name and
+address bawled out to all the thieves that happen to be present. Or,
+perchance, the coachman, whose inside porosity is well indicated by his
+bundle of coats, as Dr. Kitchiner says, is labouring under "the
+unwholesome effervescence of the hot and rebellious liquors which have
+been taken to revive the flagging spirits," and like a sponge, absorbs
+liquids, owing to the pressure of the surrounding air.
+
+    [3] This expression is not the exclusive property of Oxford,
+    Cambridge, or the Horse Guards. See Shakspeare's Henry VIII, where
+    the Duke of Buckingham says of Wolsey, "He _bores_ me with some
+    trick;" like another great man, the Cardinal must have been a great
+    bore.
+
+    [4] Towards the close of the last opera season we heard a ludicrous
+    mistake. One of these fellows bawled out "the Duke of Grafton's
+    carriage;" "No," replied the gentleman, smiling, and correcting the
+    officious cadman, who had caught at the noble euphony, "Mr.
+    Crafter's."
+
+That we are attached to wet weather, a single comparison with our
+neighbours will abundantly prove. A Frenchman seldom stirs abroad without
+his _parapluie_; notwithstanding he is, compared with an Englishman, an
+_al fresco_ animal, eating, drinking, dancing, reading, and seeing
+plays--all out of doors. A shower is more effectual in clearing the streets
+of Paris than those of London. People flock into _cafés_, the arcades of
+the Palais Royal, and splendid covered passages; and as soon as the rain
+ceases, scores of planks are thrown across the gutters in the _centre_ of
+the streets, which species of _pontooning_ is rewarded by the sous and
+centimes of the passengers. In Switzerland too, where the annual fall of
+rain is 40 inches, the streets are always washed clean, an effect which is
+admirably represented in the view of Unterseen, now exhibiting at the
+_Diorama_. But in Peru, the Andes intercept the clouds, and the constant
+heat over sandy deserts prevents clouds from forming, so that there is no
+rain. Here it never shines but it burns.
+
+_Wet-weather in the country_ is, however, a still greater infliction upon
+the sensitive nerves. There is no club-house, coffee-room, billiard-room,
+or theatre, to slip into; and if caught in a shower you must content
+yourself with the arcades of Nature, beneath which you enjoy the
+unwished-for luxury of a shower bath. Poor Nature is drenched and drowned;
+perhaps never better described than by that inveterate bard of Cockaigne,
+Captain Morris:
+
+  Oh! it settles the stomach when nothing is seen
+  But an ass on a common, or goose on a green.
+
+We were once overtaken by such weather in a pedestrian tour through the
+Isle of Wight, when just then about to leave Niton for a geological
+excursion to the Needles. Reader, if you remember, the Sandrock Hotel is
+one of the most rural establishments in the island. Think of our being
+shut up there for six hours, with a thin duodecimo guide of less than 100
+pages, which some mischievous fellow had made incomplete. How often did we
+read and re-read every line, and trace every road in the little map. At
+length we set off on our return to Newport. The rain partially ceased, and
+we were attracted out of the road to Luttrell's Tower, whence we were
+compelled to seek shelter in a miserable public-house in a village about
+three miles distant. No spare bed, a wretched smoky fire; and hard beer,
+and poor cheese, called Isle of Wight rock, were all the accommodation our
+host could provide. His parlour was just painted; but half-a-dozen
+sectarian books and an ill-toned flute amused us for an hour; then we
+again started, in harder rain than ever, for Newport. Compelled to halt
+twice, we saw some deplorable scenes of cottage misery, almost enough to
+put us out of conceit of rusticity, till after crossing a bleak, dreary
+heath, we espied the distant light of Newport. Never had we beheld gas
+light with such ecstasy, not even on the first lighting of St. James's
+Park. It was the eve of the Cowes' regatta, and the town was full; but our
+luggage was there, and we were secure. A delicious supper at the Bugle,
+and liberal outpourings of Newport ale, at length put us in good humour
+with our misfortunes; but on the following morning we hastened on to Ryde,
+and thus passed by steam to Portsmouth; having resolved to defer our
+geological expedition to that day twelve months. Perhaps we may again
+touch on this little journey. We have done for the present, lest our
+number should interrupt the enjoyment of any of the thousand pedestrians
+who are at this moment tracking
+
+  The slow ascending hill, the lofty wood
+  That mantles o'er its brow.
+
+or coasting the castled shores and romantic cliffs of Vectis, or the Isle
+of Wight.
+
+PHILO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+MANNERS & CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS
+
+
+DUELS IN FRANCE.
+
+
+Duels had at one time become so frequent in France as to require
+particular enactments for their prevention; as, for example, when the debt
+about which any dispute occurred did not amount to five-pence. The
+regulation of the mode in which the barbarous custom might be maintained
+had engaged the attention of several of the French kings. In 1205, Philip
+Augustus restricted the length of the club, with which single combat was
+then pursued, to three feet; and in 1260, Saint Louis abolished the
+practice of deciding civil matters by duelling. With the revival of
+literature and of the arts, national manners became ameliorated, and duels
+necessarily declined. It was still, however, not unusual for the French to
+promote or to behold those single combats over which the pages of romance
+have thrown a delusive charm, and which were, in early times, hallowed, in
+the opinion of the vulgar, by their accompanying superstitious ceremonies.
+When any quarrel had been referred to this mode of decision, the parties
+met on the appointed day, and frequently in an open space, overshadowed by
+the walls of a convent, which thus lent its sanction to the bloody scene.
+From day-break the people were generally employed in erecting scaffolds
+and stages, and in placing themselves upon the towers and ramparts of the
+adjacent buildings. About noon, the cavalcade was usually seen to arrive
+at the door of the lists; then the herald cried, "Let the appellant
+appear," and his summons was answered by the entrance of the challenger,
+armed cap-a-pie, the escutcheon suspended from his neck, his visor lowered,
+and an image of some national saint in his hand. He was allowed to pass
+within the lists, and conducted to his tent. The accused person likewise
+appeared, and was led in the same manner to his tent. Then the herald, in
+his robe embroidered with fleur-de-lis, advanced to the centre of the
+lists, and exclaimed, "Oyez, oyez! lords, knights, squires, people of all
+condition, our sovereign lord, by the grace of God, King of France,
+forbids you, on pain of death or confiscation of goods, either to cry out,
+to speak, to cough, to spit, or to make signs." During a profound silence,
+in which nothing but the murmurs of the unconscious streamlet, or the
+chirping of birds might be heard, the combatants quitted their tents, to
+take individually the two first oaths. When the third oath was to be
+administered, it was customary for them to meet, and for the marshal to
+take the right hand of each and to place it on the cross. Then the
+functions of the priest began, and the usual address, endeavouring to
+conciliate the angry passions of the champions, and to remind them of
+their common dependence on the Supreme Being, may have tended to benefit
+the bystanders, although it generally failed of its effect with the
+combatants.
+
+If the parties persisted, the last oath was administered. The combatants
+were obliged to swear solemnly that they had neither about them nor their
+horses, stone, nor herb, nor charm, nor invocation; and that they would
+fight only with their bodily strength, their weapons, and their horses.
+The crucifix and breviary were then presented to them to kiss, the parties
+retired into their tents, the heralds uttering their last admonition to
+exertion and courage, and the challengers rushed forth from their tents,
+which were immediately dragged from within the lists. Then the marshal of
+the field having cried out, "Let them pass, let them pass," the seconds
+retired. The combatants instantly mounted their horses, and the contest
+commenced.--_Foreign Review_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+SUPERSTITION RELATING TO BEES.
+
+
+On further inquiry, it has been found that the superstitious practice,
+formerly mentioned,[1] of informing the bees of a death that takes place
+in a family, is very well known, and still prevails among the lower orders
+in this country. The disastrous consequence to be apprehended from
+noncompliance with this strange custom is not (as before stated) that the
+bees will desert the hive, but that they will dwindle and die. The manner
+of communicating the intelligence to the little community, with due form
+and ceremony, is this: to take the key of the house, and knock with it
+three times against the hive, telling the inmates, at the same time, that
+their master or mistress, &c., (as the case may be,) is dead!
+
+    [1] See page 75.
+
+Mr. Loudon says, when in Bedfordshire lately, "we were informed of an old
+man who sung a psalm last year in front of some hives which were not doing
+well, but which he said would thrive in consequence of that ceremony. Our
+informant could not state whether this was a local or individual
+superstition."--_Magazine of Natural History_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+NOTES OF A READER
+
+LAW REFORMS.
+
+
+We copy the following eloquent and impassioned paragraph from the last
+_Edinburgh Review_:--
+
+"Thanks unto our ancestors, there is now no _Star-chamber_ before whom may
+be summoned either the scholar, whose learning offends the bishops, by
+disproving incidentally the divine nature of tithes, or the counsellor,
+who gives his client an opinion against some assumed prerogative. There is
+no _High Commission Court_ to throw into a gaol until his dying day, at
+the instigation of a Bancroft, the bencher who shall move for the
+discharge of an English subject from imprisonment contrary to law. It is
+no longer the duty of a privy councillor to seize the suspected volumes of
+an antiquarian, or plunder the papers of an ex-chief justice, whilst lying
+on his death-bed. _Government licensers of the press_ are gone, whose
+infamous perversion of the writings of other lawyers will cause no future
+Hale to leave behind him orders expressly prohibiting the posthumous
+publication of his legal MSS., lest the sanctity of his name should be
+abused, to the destruction of those laws, of which he had been long the
+venerable and living image. An advocate of the present day need not
+absolutely withdraw (as Sir Thomas More is reported to have prudently done
+for a time) from his profession, because the crown had taken umbrage at
+his discharge of a public duty. It is, however, flattery and self-delusion
+to imagine that the lust of power and the weaknesses of human nature have
+been put down by the Bill of Rights, and that our forefathers have left
+nothing to be done by their descendants. The violence of former times is
+indeed no longer practicable; but the spirit which led to these excesses
+can never die; it changes its aspect and its instruments with
+circumstances, and takes the shape and character of its age. The risks and
+the temptations of the profession at the present day are quite as
+dangerous to its usefulness, its dignity, and its virtue, as the shears
+and branding-irons that frightened every barrister from signing Prynne's
+defence, or the writ that sent Maynard to the Tower. The public has a deep,
+an incalculable interest in the independence and fearless honour of its
+lawyers. In a system so complicated as ours, every thing must be taken at
+their word almost on trust; and proud as we, for the most part, justly are
+of the unsuspectedness of our judges, their integrity and manliness of
+mind are, of course, involved in that of the body out of which they must
+be chosen. There is not a man living whose life, liberty, and honour may
+not depend on the resoluteness as well as capacity of those by whom, when
+all may be at stake, he must be both advised and represented in a court of
+justice."
+
+Our readers will easily recognise the great events in the history of the
+law in England, to which the reviewer alludes. Seldom have we read a more
+masterly page; it would even form an excellent rider to Mr. Brougham's
+recent speech on the same subject.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+SUPPERS.
+
+
+It is a mere mistake to condemn suppers. All the inferior animals stuff
+immediately previous to sleeping; and why not man, whose stomach is so
+much smaller, more delicate, and more exquisite a piece of machinery?
+Besides, it is a well-known fact, that a sound human stomach acts upon a
+well-drest dish, with nearly the power of an eight-horse steam-engine; and
+this being the case, good heavens! why should one be afraid of a few
+trifling turkey-legs, a bottle of Barclay's brown-stout, a Welsh rabbit,
+brandy and water, and a few more such fooleries? We appeal to the common
+sense of our readers and of the world.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+TEA
+
+
+The consumption of tea is increasing every year. In 1823, the importation
+was 24,000,000 lb.; in 1826 it was 30,000,000 lb.; and in the year ending
+Jan. 5, 1828, 39,746,147 lb.--_Oriental Herald_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+POETS NOT BOTANISTS.
+
+
+Addison, who was probably unacquainted with the flower described by Virgil,
+represents the Italian aster as a purple bush, with yellow flowers,
+instead of telling us that the flower had a yellow disk and purple rays.
+
+  Aureus ipse; sed in foliis, quae plurima circum
+  Funduntur, violae sublucet purpura nigrae.
+
+_Virgil, Georgic iv_.
+
+  The flower Itself is of a golden hue,
+  The leaves inclining to a darker blue;
+  The leaves shoot thick about the root, and grow
+  Into a bush, and shade the turf below.
+
+_Addison_.
+
+Dryden falls into the same error:--
+
+  A flower there is that grows in meadow ground,
+  Aurelius called, and easy to be found;
+  For from one root the rising stem bestows
+  A wood of leaves and violet purple boughs.
+  The flower itself is glorious to behold,
+  And shines on altars like refulgent gold.
+
+ _Mag. Nat. History_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+RIVAL SINGERS.
+
+
+In 1726-7, there was a sharp warfare in London between two opera singers,
+La Faustina and La Cuzzoni, and their partizans. It went so far that young
+ladies dressed themselves _a la Faustina_ and _a la Cuzzoni_. We need not
+wonder, therefore, at the hair _à la Sontag_ in our days, or gentleman's
+whiskers _à la Jocko_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+SHARKS.
+
+
+In a recent voyage from Bombay to the Persian Gulf, an Arab sailor of a
+crew, who was the stoutest and strongest man in the ship on leaving Bombay,
+pined away by disease, and was committed to the deep by his Arab comrades
+on board, with greater feeling and solemnity than is usual among Indian
+sailors, and with the accustomed ceremonies and prayers of the Mohamedan
+religion. The smell of the dead body attracted several sharks round the
+ship, one of which, eight feet in length, was harpooned and hauled on
+board.--_Oriental Herald_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+JONAH'S "WHALE."
+
+
+At a late meeting of the Wernerian Society at Edinburgh, the Rev. Dr. Scot
+read a paper on the great fish that swallowed up Jonah, showing that it
+could not be a whale, as often supposed, but was probably a white shark.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MUSHROOMS.
+
+
+The large horse-mushroom, except for catsup, should be very cautiously
+eaten. In wet seasons, or if produced on wet ground, it is very
+deleterious, if used in any great quantity.--_Mag. Nat. Hist._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+USEFUL KNOWLEDGE.
+
+
+The sweat of the brow is not favourable to the operations of the brain;
+and the leisure which follows the daily labour of the peasant and
+manufacturer, will, even if no other demands are made upon it, afford but
+little scope for the over acquisition of knowledge. Long will it be ere
+the English husbandman renounces for study the pleasures of his weekly
+holiday, and long may it be ere the Scottish peasant be withdrawn by a
+thirst for knowledge from the duties of his Sabbath, and from the simple
+rights of his morning and evening sacrifice.--_Foreign Rev_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MR. CANNING.
+
+
+A beautiful medal in memory of this celebrated statesman, has lately been
+struck at Paris, under the direction of M. Girard.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+NATURE AND ART.
+
+
+It is curious enough that people decorate their chimney-pieces with
+imitations of beautiful fruits, while they seem to think nothing at all of
+the originals hanging upon the trees, with all the elegant accompaniments
+of flourishing branches, buds, and leaves--_Cobbet's English Gardener._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE KING OF PRUSSIA
+
+
+Lives in comparative retirement, in a small palace fitted up with the
+greatest simplicity, and his bed is really not better than that usually
+allotted to a domestic in England. His study is quite that of an official
+man of business. He has a large map of his own dominions; and in each town
+where troops are stationed he fixes a common pin, and on the head of the
+pin is a small bit of card, on which are written the names of the
+regiments, their numbers, and commanding officers, in the town. He thus,
+at any moment, can see the disposition of his immense army, which is very
+essential to such a government as Prussia, it being a mild despotic
+military system. He has a most excellent modern map of the Turkish
+provinces in Europe, and upon this is marked out every thing that can
+interest a military man. A number of pins, with green heads, point out the
+positions of the Russian army; and in the same manner, with
+red-and-white-headed pins, he distinguishes the stations of the different
+kinds of troops of the Turkish host.--_Literary Gazette_.
+
+
+THE OPERA OF "OTELLO."
+
+
+Othello is altogether unsuited to the lyrical drama, and supposing the
+contrary, Rossini, of all composers, was the most unfit to treat such a
+subject in music. The catastrophe in the English tragedy is necessary; we
+see it from the beginning as through a long and gloomy vista. We weep, or
+shudder, we draw a long sigh of despair, and feel that it could not have
+been otherwise. But in the opera, Othello is a ruffian, without excuse for
+his crime. We have suddenly a beautiful woman running distracted about the
+stage to a symphony--and a very noisy symphony--of violins, and butchered
+before our eyes to an allegro movement.--_Foreign Review_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+FRENCH NOVELS.
+
+
+When last in Paris we were curious to know wherefore M. Jouy had written
+such exceptionable and abominable stuff as his last novel; and the
+gentleman to whom we addressed ourselves, answered, in a light lively vein;
+"Oh! M. Jouy has a name, and the booksellers pay well; and as they are
+very stupid, and depend on names for the sale of their books, he wrote
+down the first matter that came into his head."--_Foreign Review_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+AMBER.
+
+
+Polangen, the frontier town of Russia, is famous for its trade in amber.
+This substance is found by the inhabitants on the coast, between Polangen
+and Pillau, either loosely on the shore, on which it has been thrown by
+the strong north and westerly winds, or in small hillocks of sand near the
+sea, where it is found in regular strata. The quantity found yearly in
+this manner, and on this small extent of coast, besides what little is
+sometimes discovered in beds of pit coal in the interior of the country,
+is said to amount to from 150 to 200 tons, yielding a revenue to the
+government of Prussia of about 100,000 francs. As amber is much less in
+vogue in Western Europe than in former times, the best pieces, which are
+very transparent, and frequently weigh as much as three ounces, are sent
+to Turkey and Persia, for the heads of their expensive pipes and hookahs.
+Very few trinkets are now sold for ornaments to ladies' dresses; and the
+great bulk of amber annually found is converted into a species of scented
+spirits and oil, which are much esteemed for the composition of delicate
+varnish. In the rough state, amber is sold by the ton, and forms an object
+of export trade from Memel and Konigsberg.--_Granville's Travels in
+Russia_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The head of the late Dr. Gall has been taken off agreeably to his wishes,
+and dissected and dried for the benefit of science.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MUSICAL TALENT.
+
+
+All the principal Italian composers were _in flower_ about the age of
+twenty-five. There is scarcely an instance of a musician producing his
+_chef-d'oeuvre_ after the age of thirty. Rossini was not twenty when he
+composed his _Tancredi_, and his _Italiana in Algieri_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The most important principle perhaps in life is to have a pursuit--a
+useful one if possible, and at all events an innocent one. The unripe
+fruit tree of knowledge is, I believe, always bitter or sour; and
+scepticism and discontent--sickness of the mind--are often the results of
+devouring it.--_Sir Humphry Davy_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+COFFIN OF KING DUNCAN.
+
+A coffin has been discovered among the ruins of Elgin cathedral, supposed
+to be that of the royal victim of Macbeth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+AN IMPERIAL ENCORE.
+
+When Cimarosa's opera of _Matrimonio Segreto_ was performed before the
+Emperor Joseph, he invited all the singers to a banquet, and then in a fit
+of enthusiasm, sent them all back to the theatre to play and sing the
+whole opera over again!--_Foreign Review_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Dinner_ is a corruption of _decimer_, from _decimheure_, or the French
+repast _de dix-heure. Supper_ from _souper_, from the custom of providing
+soup for that occasion.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LARKS.
+
+
+We have heard much of _Dunstable larks_ but the enthusiasm with which
+_gourmets_ speak of these tit-bits of luxury, is far exceeded by the
+Germans, who travel to Leipsic from a distance of many hundred miles,
+merely to eat a dinner of larks, and then return contented and peaceful to
+their families. So great is the slaughter of this bird at the Leipsic fair,
+that half a million are annually devoured, principally by the booksellers
+frequenting the city. What is the favourite bird at the coffee-house
+dinners of our friends in Paternoster Row?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PAINTING CATS.
+
+
+Gottfried Mind, a celebrated Swiss painter, was called the _Cat-Raphael_,
+from the excellence with which he painted that animal. This peculiar
+talent was discovered and awakened by chance. At the time when
+Freudenberger was painting that since-published picture of the peasant
+cleaving wood before his cottage, with his wife sitting by, and feeding
+her child with pap out of a pot, round which a cat is prowling, Mind cast
+a broad stare on the sketch of this last figure, and said in his rugged,
+laconic way, "That is no cat!" Freudenberger asked, with a smile, whether
+Mind thought he could do it better. Mind offered to try; went into a
+corner, and drew the cat, which Freudenberger liked so much that he made
+his new pupil finish it out, and the master copied the scholar's work--for
+it is Mind's cat that is engraven in Freudenberger's plate. Imitations of
+Mind's cats are already common in the windows of printsellers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PLAY-WRITING.
+
+
+When the manager of a theatre engaged Sacchini to write an opera, he was
+obliged to shut him up in a room with his mistress and his favourite cats,
+without them at his side he could do nothing. The fifth act of _Pizarro_
+was actually finished by Sheridan on the first evening of its performance,
+when the illustrious playwright was shut up in a room with a plate of
+sandwiches and two bottles of claret, to finish his drama.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS.
+
+THE BISHOPRICKS OF ENGLAND AND WALES
+
+
+Were instituted according to the following order of time, viz. London an
+Archbishoprick and Metropolitan of England, founded by Lucius, the first
+Christian king of Britain, A.D. 185; Llandaff, 185; Bangor, 516; St.
+David's, 519. The Archbishoprick of Wales from 550 till 1100, when the
+Bishop submitted to the Archbishop of Canterbury as his Metropolitan;
+St. Asaphs, 547. St. Augustine (or Austin) made Canterbury the Metropolitan
+Archbishoprick, by order of Pope Gregory, A.D. 596; Wells, 604; Rochester,
+604; Winchester, 650; Lichfield and Coventry, 656; Worcester, 679;
+Hereford, 680; Durham, 690; Sodor and Man, 898; Exeter, 1050; Sherborne
+(changed to Salisbury) 1056; York (Archbishoprick) 1067; Dorchester
+(changed to Lincoln) 1070; Chichester, 1071; Thetford (changed to Norwich)
+1088; Bath and Wells, 1088; Ely, 1109; Carlisle, 1133. The following six
+were founded upon the suppression of monasteries by Henry VIII.--Chester,
+Peterborough, Gloucester, Oxford, Bristol, and Westminster, 1538.
+Westminster was united to London in 1550.--_Vide Tanner's Notitia
+Monastica_.
+
+C. G. E. P.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ADDINGTON, SURREY.
+
+
+The lord of this manor, in the reign of Henry III. held it by this service,
+viz. to make the king a mess of pottage at his coronation; and so lately
+as the reign of Charles II. this service was ordered by the court of
+claims, and accepted by the king at his table.
+
+C. G. E. P.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE BELL-SAVAGE INN
+
+
+On Ludgate-hill, has, for more than a century, since its name was
+mentioned by Addison in the _Spectator_, occasioned a great variety of
+conjectures. These conjectures, however, all appear to have been erroneous,
+as the inn took the addition to its name from its having belonged to, or
+been kept by, a person of the name of _Savage_. The sign originally
+appears to have been a bell hung within a hoop, a common mode of
+representation in former times. This origin has been proved by a grant in
+the reign of Henry VI. in which John French, gentleman of London, gives to
+Joan French, widow, his mother, "all that tenement or inn called Savage's
+Inn, otherwise called the Bell on the Hoop." In the original "vocat"
+Savagesynne, alias vocat "Le Belle on the Hope." Perhaps the phrase
+"Cock-a-Hoop," may be derived from the sign of that bird standing on a
+hoop, thus most conspicuously displaying himself, as we find that sign or
+rather design existed in the reign above mentioned.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+PARISH FEASTING.
+
+
+A dinner always accompanies meetings on public occasions; feasting was
+formerly attached in like manner to chantries, anniversaries, &c.; and, as
+it appears in part of the curious items in the parish books of Darlington,
+clergymen officiated for a donation of wine. It appears, too, that both
+ministers and parishioners were saddled with charitable aids to itinerants
+of various kinds; that noblemen granted passes in the manner of briefs;
+and that it was deemed right and proper for even churchwardens and
+overseers to patronize knowledge. Accordingly we have,
+
+"1630. To Mr. Goodwine, a distressed scholer, 2s. 6d."
+
+"1631. Given to a poor scholler, 12d.--Given to Mary Rigby, of Hauret West,
+in Pembrokeshire, in Wales, who had the Earle of Pembroke's passe.... To
+an Irish gentleman that had fouer children, and had Earl Marshall's passe,
+12d."
+
+"1635. To a souldier which came to the church on a Sunday, 6d."
+
+"1639. For Mr. Thompson, that preached the forenoone and afternoone, for a
+quart of sack, 14d."
+
+"1650. For six quartes of sacke to the ministre that preached, when we had
+not a ministere, 9s."
+
+It is to be observed that this was in the _puritanical era_.
+
+"1653. For a primer for a poore boy, 4d."
+
+"1666. For one quarte of sacke, bestowed on Mr. Jellet, when he preached,
+2s. 4d."
+
+"1684. To the parson's order, given to a man both deaf and dumb, being
+sent from minister to minister to London, 6d.--To Mr. Bell, with a letter
+from London with the names of the Royal Family, 6d."
+
+This is a curious item; for it shows that the Mercuries, diurnals, and
+intelligencers of the day, were not deemed sufficient for satisfactorily
+advertising public events.
+
+"1688. To the ringers on Thanksgiving Day, for the young Prince, in money,
+ale, and coals, 7s. 4d."
+
+This must have been for the birth of
+the Pretender, of warming-pan celebrity.
+
+"1691. For a pint of brandy, when Mr. George Bell preached here, 1s.
+4d.--When the Dean of Durham preached here, spent in a treat with him,
+3s. 6d.--For a stranger that preacht, a dozen of ale, 1s."
+
+Thus it plainly appears that church-wardens had a feast jointly with the
+minister at the parish expense, at least whenever a stranger preached.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE GATHERER
+
+  "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles."
+
+SHAKSPEAKE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+STATIONERY LETTER.
+
+( _For the Mirror_.)
+
+
+  TO MR. ----, STATIONER, HOLBORN.
+
+  SIR,--Sometime ago I wrote to you to send me a _ream_ of _foolscap_,
+  which I begged might be sent without delay, as it was for the purpose of
+  writing out my Christmas bills. I think you must have forgotten me; and
+  if I do not have the _paper_ soon, I may wear a _fool's-cap_ on account
+  of not having my bills out in time. Mr. ----, who, in your absence, must
+  sustain the greatest weight of business, and is, as I may say, the
+  _Atlas_ of your house, was the person I chiefly depended on. As for
+  Mr. ----, one of your household, he dresses in _royal purple_, and being
+  but in a _medium_ way between sickness and health, was drinking
+  _imperial_ when I saw him, and therefore did not in-_quire_ about the
+  business; nor did I choose to come _cap_ in _hand_ to a gentleman that
+  seemed as stately as an _elephant_, though to my thinking he is a
+  _bundle_ of conceit, all _outside_ show; in short, a piece of
+  _lumberhand_, on whom I would not _waste paper_ to write him a _note_.
+
+  My journeyman, who is but a _demy_ sort of a chap, will make but a
+  _small hand_ of the bills, and I shall go to _pott_. You also will be a
+  sufferer, if you _post_-pone sending my _paper_, for you shall have
+  neither _plate paper_,[1] nor a _single crown_, no, nor a _cartridge_ of
+  halfpence from me this half year, unless you play your _cards_ better. I
+  have more bills to write out than a _bag cap_, made of the largest
+  _grand eagle_ you have in your warehouse, could contain; so that I shall
+  look as _blue_ as your _sugar_-paper, and bestow on you to boot some
+  very ugly prayers, not in _single hand_, but by _thick_ and _thin
+  couples_, that will be a _fine copy_ for my young man to take example by,
+  if you disappoint.
+
+  Your humble servant, J. J.
+
+    [1] Bank notes.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+RUSTIC SIMPLICITY.
+
+
+A village pastor was examining his parishioners in their Catechism. The
+first question in the Heidelberg Catechism is this: "What is thy only
+consolation in life and in death?" A young girl, to whom the pastor put
+this question, laughed, and would not answer. The priest insisted. "Well,
+then," said she, at length, "if I must tell you, it is the young shoemaker,
+who lives in the Rue Agneaux."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+TALL PEOPLE.
+
+
+The king of France, being at Calais, sent over an embassador, a verie tall
+person, upon no other errand but a complement to the king of England. At
+his audience he appeared in such a light garb, that afterwards the king
+ask'd Lord-keeper Bacon "what he thought of the French embassador?" He
+answer'd, "That he was a verie proper man."--"I," his majestie replied,
+"but what think you of his head-piece? is he a proper man for the office,
+of an embassador?"--"Sir," returned he, "it appears too often, _that tall
+men are like high houses of four or five stories, wherein commonlie the
+upper-most room is worst-furnished_."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following anecdote is perfectly indicative of that dry humour which
+forms what Oxonians call a _cool hand_:--When Mr. Gurney, afterwards
+rector of Edgefield, in Norfolk, held a fellowship of Bene't, the master
+had a desire to get possession of the fellows' garden for himself. The
+rest of the fellows, resigned their keys, but Gurney resisted both his
+threats and entreaties, and refused to part with his key. "The other
+fellows," said the master, "have delivered up their keys."--"Then, master,"
+said Gurney, "pray keep them, and you and I will keep all the other
+fellows out."--"Sir," continued the master, "am not I your
+master?"--"Granted," said Gurney, "but am I not your fellow?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Louis XIV. was such a gourmand, that he would eat at a sitting four
+platesful of different soups, a whole pheasant, a partridge, a plateful
+of salad, mutton hashed with garlick, two good sized slices of ham, a dish
+of pastry, and, afterwards, fruit and sweetmeats. The descendant Bourbons
+are slandered for having appetites of considerable action; but this
+appears to have been one of a four or five man power.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+A FLASH CARD.
+
+C. HAMMOND, Slap Kiksis Builder. Long Sleeve Kicksis got up right, and
+kept by an artful dodge from visiting the knees, when worn without straps.
+Trotter Cases, Mud Pipes, and Boot Kiv'ers, carved to fit any Pins, and
+turned out slap.--(_Verbatim et literatim copy_.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+_Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD. 143 Strand, London; by ERNEST
+FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic, and by all Newsmen and Booksellers._
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10845 ***